Open mike 15/10/09
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- Date published:
6:00 am, October 15th, 2009 - 28 comments
Categories: open mike -
Tags: play nice
We’re trying a daily “Open mike”.
This is a place for anyone to post comments on topics that might be of interest, and for any discussion following up on the comments. Over to you…
28 comments on “Open mike 15/10/09 ”
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- Budget delivers improved cervical and breast cancer screeningBudget 2021 funds a more effective cervical screening test to help reduce cervical cancer rates A new breast screening system that can proactively identify and enrol eligible women to reach 271,000 more people who aren’t currently in the programme. Budget 2021 delivers a better cervical screening test and a major ...23 hours ago
- NZ-France to co-chair Christchurch Call Leaders’ SummitNew Zealand and France will jointly convene the Christchurch Call Community for a leaders’ summit, to take stock of progress and develop a new shared priority work plan. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair the leaders’ meeting on the 2nd anniversary of the Call, on 14 ...1 day ago
- New South Wales travel pause to be lifted tomorrowCOVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says the current travel pause with New South Wales will lift tomorrow – subject to no further significant developments in NSW. “New Zealand health officials met today to conduct a further assessment of the public health risk from the recently identified COVID-19 community cases in Sydney. It has been determined that the risk to public ...2 days ago
- March 15 Collective Impact Board appointedThe voices of those affected by the March 15 mosque attacks will be heard more effectively with the establishment of a new collective impact board, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced today. Seven members of the Christchurch Muslim community have been appointed to the newly established Board, ...2 days ago
- More young Kiwis supported with mental health and addiction servicesNearly quarter of a million more young New Zealanders will have access to mental health and addiction support in their communities as the Government’s youth mental health programme gathers pace. New contracts to expand youth-specific services across the Northland, Waitematā and Auckland District Health Board areas have been confirmed, providing ...3 days ago
- New hospital facilities mean fewer trips to Auckland for NorthlandersNorthlanders will no longer automatically have to go to Auckland for lifesaving heart procedures like angiograms, angioplasty and the insertion of pacemakers, thanks to new operating theatres and a cardiac catheter laboratory opened at Whangārei Hospital by Health Minister Andrew Little today. The two projects – along with a new ...3 days ago
- Fair Pay Agreements to improve pay and conditions for essential workersThe Government is delivering on its pre-election commitment to implement Fair Pay Agreements which will improve wages and conditions, as well as help support our economic recovery, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today. Fair Pay Agreements will set minimum standards for all employees and employers in an ...3 days ago
- Establishment of the new Māori Health Authority takes first big stepSir Mason Durie will lead a Steering Group to provide advice to the Transition Unit on governance arrangements and initial appointments to an interim board to oversee the establishment of the Māori Health Authority. This Group will ensure that Māori shape a vital element of our future health system, Minister ...3 days ago
- Cycle trails move up a gear in CentralWork on new and upgraded cycle trails in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Central Otago is moving up a gear as two significant projects pass further milestones today. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has announced new funding for the Queenstown Trails Project, and will also formally open the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn ...3 days ago
- Picton ferry terminal upgrade consent fast-trackedThe planned upgrade of the Waitohi Picton Ferry terminal has been approved under the fast-track consenting process. Environment Minister David Parker today welcomed the decision by the expert consenting panel to approve the Waitohi Picton Ferry Precinct Redevelopment Project. The project will provide a significant upgrade to the ferry facilities ...4 days ago
- Quarantine Free Travel with New South Wales pausedCOVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has announced his intention to pause Quarantine Free Travel from New South Wales to New Zealand while the source of infection of the two cases announced in Sydney in the last two days is investigated. Whole genome sequencing has linked the case yesterday to a recent ...4 days ago
- Covid-19 immigration powers to be extendedThe passing of a bill to extend temporary COVID-19 immigration powers means continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said. “Over the past year, we’ve made rapid decisions to extend visas, vary visa conditions and waive some application requirements ...4 days ago
- “Supporting a Trade-Led Economic Recovery”Trade Policy Road Show SpeechManukau, Auckland Kia ora koutou – nau mai, haere mai ki Manukau, ki Tāmaki. Good morning everyone, and thank you for this opportunity to discuss with you current global challenges, opportunities and the Government’s strategy in support of a trade-led recovery from the economic ...4 days ago
- Building consent numbers at an all-time highA record 41,028 new homes have been consented in the year ended March 2021 March 2021 consent numbers the highest since the 1940s Record number of new homes consented in Auckland The number of new homes consented is at an all-time high, showing a strong and increasing pipeline of demand ...4 days ago
- Whānau-centred support for parents and tamarikiUp to 60 whānau in Counties Manukau will be supported through the first three years of their parenthood by a new whānau-centred model of care, said Associate Health Minister, Hon Aupito William Sio. “Providing this support to young parents is something we have to get right. It’s a priority both ...4 days ago
- NZ backs moves to improve global access to COVID vaccinesNew Zealand welcomes and strongly supports the announcement made by the United States Trade Representative to work for a waiver of IP protections on COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor said. “New Zealand supports equitable access to COVID vaccines for all. No one is safe from the ...4 days ago
- Tourism communities: support, recovery and re-set planTIHEI MAURI ORA Tuia te whakapono Tuia te tumanako Tuia te aroha Tuia te hunga ora Ki te hunga ora Tihei Mauri ora Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Thank you, Hilary and thank you, Chris, and everyone at TIA for this ...4 days ago
- Support, recovery and re-set plan for tourism communitiesFive South Island tourist communities targeted for specialist support Pressure on Māori tourism operators and Conservation facilities recognised Domestic and international-facing tourism agencies put on more secure footing Long-term plan to re-set tourism with a focus on sustainability, industry standards and regional economic diversification A plan to ensure the immediate ...4 days ago
- Speech on NZ Rail PlanCheck against delivery E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karanga maha o te wa, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Ki ngā mana whenua o Taranaki Whānui anō nei aku mihi ki a koutou. Nōku te hōnore kia haere mai ki te whakanuia tēnei huihuinga whakahirahira. Nō ...4 days ago
- Government hits massive milestone in Violence Prevention & EliminationMinister for Family and Sexual Violence Marama Davidson announced a major milestone at a hui in South Auckland today, with the launch of the national engagement process on the prevention and elimination of family and sexual violence. “There is no room for violence in our lives – there is no ...4 days ago
- Fee waiver extended for conservation tourism businessesTourism businesses operating on public conservation land will have another six months of fees waived to help them adjust to the downturn in international visitors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Acting Minister of Conservation Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced. "We acknowledge it has been a difficult year for ...4 days ago
- ‘Lua Wave’ to future-proof Pasifika Festivals in AotearoaPasifika festival organisers will receive additional support to adapt to the COVID-19 environment thanks to the Government’s newly launched ‘Lua Wave’ component of the Pasifika Festivals Initiative, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “This initiative has not only been to support festival organisers to recover from ...4 days ago
- Crown accounts show confidence in Govt economic planThe Government’s financial accounts continue to reflect the resilience of the economy and confidence in the Government’s economic recovery plan. The Crown accounts for the nine months to the end of March 2021 show both OBEGAL and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and ...4 days ago
- Energy Trusts of NZ Autumn ConferenceIt’s a pleasure to be here today. Thank you Karen [Sherry] for the introduction and thanks to the Energy Trusts Executive for inviting me to speak at tonight’s event. It is an exciting time to come to speak to trustees of distribution companies. For many decades the electricity industry was ...4 days ago
- New partnership to grow Māori success in STEMA new partnership with the Pūhoro STEM Academy will support thousands more rangatahi Māori to participate and succeed in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis announced today. Since 2016, Pūhoro has worked with Māori students to build their capability and create pathways to employment ...4 days ago
- Rail builds platform for economic recoveryTransport Minister Michael Wood and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dr David Clark today released the Government’s long term vision for a sustainable rail network that supports our economic recovery. New Zealand Rail Plan lays out how the Government is building a resilient, reliable and safe network, as well as the indicative ...4 days ago
- NZ and UK agree to lift the pace of free trade talksNew Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed to rapidly lift the tempo of talks, as the two countries enter a new phase in free trade negotiations, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss, and I spoke today about ...5 days ago
- Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill passes first readingThe Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill has passed its first reading and will now be considered by Parliament’s Justice select committee. “The Bill updates and improves New Zealand’s counter-terrorism legislation and ensures that the right legislative tools are available to intervene early and prevent harm,” Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi said. “The ...5 days ago
- Statement on The Speaker and Annual Review Debate“The serious issue of alleged sexual assault and harassment at Parliament was poorly managed and inappropriately politicised last night. The tone of the debate did not reflect well on Parliament as a whole,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Any investigation of claims of sexual assault should be in a manner ...5 days ago
- Govt motoring towards zero-carbon buses and protecting drivers’ conditionsTransport Minister Michael Wood is seeking feedback on options for the next phase of the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) review to better protect bus drivers’ pay conditions, and also achieving the Government’s target of fully decarbonising the public transport bus fleet by 2035. Michael Wood said investing in our ...5 days ago
- Drop in unemployment shows Govt economic plan is workingThe Government’s economic recovery plan continues to be reflected in the labour market, with more people in work and unemployment falling. Stats NZ figures show employment rose by 15,000 in the March quarter, with 14,000 more women in work. The unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent. This ...5 days ago
- Government sets pay and workforce expectations for the Public SectorThe Government’s Workforce Policy Statement issued today sets out its expectations for pay and employment relations in the Public Sector, the Minister of Finance and Minister for the Public Service say. “New Zealand has had an exceptionally successful health and economic response to COVID-19. This has been supported by the ...5 days ago
- Author Ben Brown is New Zealand’s first Te Awhi Rito Reading AmbassadorLyttleton writer Ben Brown (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Paoa) will be New Zealand’s first Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador, promoting the value of reading for children and young people, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti announced today. A poet and award-winning author, Ben Brown writes books, non-fiction and short stories ...6 days ago
- Celebrating New Zealand’s firefighters this International Firefighters’ dayWith two fire stations already complete, and building underway on 16 fire stations around the country, today we celebrate International Firefighters’ Day for the important role firefighters have in keeping communities across the country safe, says Minister of Internal Affairs, Jan Tinetti. The work is progressing due to Government funding ...6 days ago
- Ron Brierley knighthood to goRon Brierley has written to the Clerk of the Executive Council to tender his resignation as a Knight Bachelor. The Queen has been informed. The forfeiture follows the Prime Minister initiating the process to remove his Knighthood. The Clerk of the Executive Council wrote to him on 6 April 2021 ...6 days ago
- Employment boost for rural communitiesThe Government is continuing to create opportunities for at-risk rangatahi overcome barriers to employment, education or training with the next tranche of He Poutama Rangatahi programmes, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “We’re focused on supporting rangatahi to get what they need to progress in the ...6 days ago
- Newsletter: New Zealand Politics Daily – May 10 2021
Editor’s Note: Here below is a list of the main issues currently under discussion in New Zealand and links to media coverage. Click here to subscribe to Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup and New Zealand Politics Daily. Today’s content Public sector pay freeze Bryce Edwards (Democracy Project): Political Roundup: The Public sector worker backlash ...45 mins ago - Finance Minister Grant Robertson: 'Budget 2021 will be a recovery and wellbeing budget'
In his second major pre-Budget speech Finance Minister Grant Robertson has defended public service pay measures and says next week's Budget will support the economy while being cautious about debt. ...2 hours ago - Watch live: Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives pre-Budget speechIn his second major pre-Budget speech Finance Minister Grant Robertson has defended public service pay measures and says next week's Budget will support the economy while being cautious about debt. ...2 hours ago
- Live updates, May 10: Officials rule out extending cannabis amnesty for all chronic illnesses
Welcome to The Spinoff’s live updates for May 10, bringing you the latest news updated throughout the day. Get in touch at stewart@thespinoff.co.nz8.00am: No plans to extend cannabis amnesty for all chronically sick peopleThe government has no plans to extend an amnesty allowing all people with chronic illness to ...
2 hours ago - Global momentum is building for a right to a safe environment. Why is NZ missing?A campaign is moving the United Nations toward recognising a right to a safe environment. Dozens of countries are on-board. Why isn’t New Zealand part of it, asks Sam Bookman.The world is facing multiple environmental crises. Hundreds of animal and plant species are threatened with extinction; deforestation in many parts ...2 hours ago
- Robertson warns of more waves of Covid breaking on economy
The Finance Minister is promising to keep a lid on Government debt, as he manages down expectations of Budget windfalls next week. ...2 hours ago - Taking one for the team: 6 ways our cells can die and help fight infectious diseaseSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Georgia Atkin-Smith, Research scientist, La Trobe University We have all heard of COVID-19, the flu and bacterial infections. But what is actually happening to our cells when we contract these diseases? Many of our body’s cells don’t live to tell the tale. ...3 hours ago
- Shrill, bossy, emotional: why language matters in the gender debateSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University There has been much debate recently about the way women who work in our federal parliament are treated. This discussion has highlighted that society continues to place very different values on the way women and ...3 hours ago
- A great start, but still not enough: why Victoria’s new climate target isn’t as ambitious as it ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Foerster, Senior Lecturer, Monash University In a great start towards net zero emissions by 2050, the Victorian Government recently released their Climate Change Strategy, committing to halving greenhouse emissions by 2030. Victoria’s leadership, alongside commitments from other Australian states and territories, ...3 hours ago
- To understand racism, kids must empathise with its impact — and teachers must embrace discomfortSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niranjan Casinader, Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Education, Faculty of Education, Monash University For people who experience racism, the pain sometimes comes as much from words as it does from actions. Indigenous people like Adam Goodes and Latrell Mitchell have spoken of the ...3 hours ago
- US pledge boosts Christchurch Call
As the second anniversary of the Christchurch Call approaches, the pledge by the United States to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online is a significant step. The United States was an obvious missing link when the first summit was held in Paris on May 15 two years ago. In a White House statement on ...3 hours ago - The Bulletin: Scottish independence moves a step closerGood morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Scottish independence moves a step closer, government revives plan for Fair Pay Agreements, and children in Oranga Tamariki care being strip-searched.We’ll start today’s Bulletin with some fascinating world news, because it could lead to a very significant geopolitical development. Amid local ...3 hours ago
- Govt dismisses calls for medicinal cannabis review to be widenedA Ministry of Health document leaked to RNZ shows officials will not even consider extending an amnesty to allow all chronically sick people to use illicit cannabis. ...3 hours ago
- The first city of New Zealand literature is Dunedin
Steve Braunias on the biggest week of the year for New Zealand writing Everyone who is anyone in New Zealand writing was at the Dunedin Writers Festival this weekend. Good old Becky Manawatu was there, giving a preview of the book she is writing as a kind of prequel to ...4 hours ago - Labour should go bold, and go hard
If only Labour, in Government, would be bolder to address the very issues of inequality that attracted some of its leaders into politics, writes columnist Rachel Peters It is easy to be cynical about politicians, but years ago I decided as a teacher that I would try and maintain positive ...4 hours ago - Pivotal problem: Drive for irrigation efficiency backfires for environment
A scientific paper spells out in stark terms the unintended consequences of efficient irrigation in one corner of Canterbury. David Williams reports When former Aucklander Cole Groves, his wife Ginny and her parents bought a dairy farm in Hinds, Mid Canterbury, four years ago it triggered an audit by the ...4 hours ago - Labour caught off guard by anger over public service pay freezeThe Detail - Labour's announcement of a public service wage freeze took everyone by surprise. Was it a party taking aim at its traditional support base, or a minister losing control of the narrative? ...5 hours ago
- Market heavyweights set to report full year results against grey backdrop
Business & Investing: NZ investors were unimpressed by the big four banks' solid results, writes Andrew Patterson. Yet in the US, markets picked up while NZers slept, defying increased unemployment figures. ...5 hours ago - Trump’s legacy for America and its place in the world
Six months on from the election that removed him from office, Donald Trump's shadow remains, at home and abroad. Robert Patman assesses his lasting impact Love or loath him, former president of the United States, Donald Trump, made a significant impact on his country and the world. His four-year period ...5 hours ago - How Charlisse Leger-Walker finds calm on centre stage
After just her freshman year, Kiwi basketball star Charlisse Leger-Walker has been ranked among the best college basketballers in the US. She tells Shontelle Montano how she stays zen amidst the din. Charlisse Leger-Walker is used to having all eyes on her. She’s being doing interviews since she was 15 ...5 hours ago - Between two Treaties
Emily Beausoleil makes a case for implementing the changes recommended in the He Puapua report "to more fully realise the unceded authority of tangata whenua" and give greater self-determination, equality and meaningful voice among Tiriti partners Recent objections to He Puapua, a report of recommendations for a more Tiriti o Waitangi-led constitution, have claimed its ...5 hours ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Monday 10 May
...5 hours ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Monday 10 May
...5 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 10 May
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...5 hours ago - Unions To Present Pathways To Residency Petition To MPs On Monday 2pm At Unite Union Office
Unite Union and the Migrant Workers Association will present a 15,000-strong petition at 2pm on Monday, May 10, to a both a Green and Labour Party MP at their offices at 6a Western Springs Rd, Morningside, Auckland. Green MP and Immigration spokesperson ...5 hours ago - The essential byelection guide to Maungawhau, the ward that saved golfThe Maungawhau subdivision of Albert-Eden encapsulates everything Aucklanders love to get het up about: trains, golf, birds, and trees. As it prepares for an upcoming byelection, we’re bringing back our race briefings to explain what’s going on in the ward. Where’s Maungawhau, exactly?In the heart of the supercity lies a ...5 hours ago
- TVNZ is all in online – and planning an ad-free Netflix-style subscription serviceThe state broadcaster is not waiting for the merger to imagine its future, reports Duncan Greive after a wide-ranging interview with TVNZ CEO Kevin Kenrick.TVNZ is planning a major reimagining of its TVNZ OnDemand platform that will ultimately lead it into a post-linear TV future, CEO Kevin Kenrick has revealed ...5 hours ago
- He Puapua – the report dividing Parliament
The recommendations and proposals in He Puapua come from a starting point that “our current systems are not working for Māori’’. ...5 hours ago - How to freeze your support base
Labour's public service pay freeze announcement aimed at Wellington pen-pushers, and hit teachers, nurses and Covid-19 border workers What Grant Robertson thought people would hear – ‘The Government’s clamping down on those Wellington government pen-pushers, about time!’ What people heard – ‘Nurses, teachers, police, border workers, all those who kept us ...5 hours ago - New $2.3b natural health industry’s power stifled by old rules
Nutraceuticals is the country’s fastest-growing food and beverage sector, but it's tired of operating within the constraints of 36-year-old legislation. ...5 hours ago - Govt suspects seven weeks of undetected virus transmission
The Government now says the "leading hypothesis" for the source of the Valentine's Day outbreak involves seven weeks of undetected community transmission. ...5 hours ago - Māori wards change was fast-tracked against official advice
Govt was warned a lack of public consultation could prove controversial and undermine the changes. ...5 hours ago - View from The Hill: a budget for a pandemic, with next year’s election in mindSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Treasurer Josh Frydenberg calls this a “pandemic budget” – one to sustain the economy in times that are still uncertain – but it also has a substantial element of an election budget. That’s not to ...11 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards: The public sector worker backlash against LabourOpinion - Many in the labour movement and the political left are feeling betrayed by the government's announcement this week of a pay freeze for public sector workers, Bryce Edwards writes. ...15 hours ago
- Here’s a letter to the editor you might have missed on science and how it should be shaped by the ...
Scimex drew our attention around two weeks ago to news that Māori researchers were calling for a Tiriti-led science-policy approach. A multi-disciplinary group of Māori researchers – most of them from the humanities – had published a report which recommended the appointments of Māori Chief Science Advisors and the development ...19 hours ago - He Puapua report bogged down in 'swamp of politics'Power Play - The He Puapua report on how to better uphold indigenous rights was supposed to chart a new way forward but has become bogged down in the swamp of politics, Meriana Johnsen writes. ...21 hours ago
- Whakatōhea High Court Decision“We applaud the Whakatōhea High Court case that has now set a precedent for Māori rights and interest in their foreshore and seabed. It’s an outstanding decision because the Court recognises all reclaimed lands with significant and boating traffic” ...21 hours ago
- Alarm bells start clanging in the White House as Biden struggles with his legislative programme
President Joe Biden has passed his first 100 days in office, generally popular, but facing increasing challenges. He commands a bare majority in the Congress – six seats in the lower house and 50-50 in the senate. On the international stage he has restored much of America’s prestige and reputation, ...23 hours ago - Long-awaited cervical cancer screening test to be funded by govtA long-awaited cervical screening test that women can do themselves and will reduce the need for smear test will be funded by the government. ...23 hours ago
- Long-awaited cervical screening test to be funded by govtA long-awaited cervical screening test that women can do themselves and will reduce the need for smear test will be funded by the government. ...23 hours ago
- Ardern and Macron to co-chair Christchurch Call leaders' summitPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French president Emmanuel Macron will co-chair a Christchurch Call leaders' summit next week. ...1 day ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: The Public sector worker backlash against Labour1 day ago
- An ode for .. Trevor Mallard
New Zealand's demi-official poet laureate Victor Billot composes an ode for Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard Unchained Mallardy Boomph! MC Trevski drops the mike. Waves his chair. Fights the fight. He’s supposed to be the referee. But now he’s down in the melee. ...1 day ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Sunday 9 May
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...1 day ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Sunday 9 May
...1 day ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Sunday 9 May
...1 day ago - Govt Urged To Speak Out Against Israel’s Ethnic Cleansing Polices & Unbridled Brutality Toward...The Palestine Solidarity Movement Aotearoa has written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta tonight urging the government to speak out against the imminent ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the Occupied East Jerusalem area of Sheikh ...1 day ago
- Sunday Essay: The vaccinationAuthor and intensive care specialist Alex Kazemi stares out at the world amid and beyond the plague.The Sunday Essay is possible thanks to the support of Creative New ZealandOriginal illustrations by Sarah Wilkins.I didn’t see the needle go in. I just winced slightly. But I wasn’t expecting to feel anything ...1 day ago
- West Coast spirit: How a little distillery is revitalising ReeftonThe historic gold-mining town of Reefton is returning to its former prosperity, thanks to the efforts of some passionate residents, entrepreneurs and a boutique gin distillery. I like to think the people of the West Coast worship the rain gods. After all, is there anything that defines and dictates life more ...1 day ago
- Deprogramme yourself: Author Marilynne Robinson on seeing beauty in everythingAhead of her appearance at the Auckland Writers Festival, the much-loved Gilead author talks to Sam Brooks. I came to Marilynne Robinson after the world seemed to, like walking into mass after the homily. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author had a critically acclaimed hit in the 80s with Housekeeping, but it ...1 day ago
- Recipe: Pickled Jerusalem artichokesThese knobbly tubers appear only in autumn, but here’s a way you can enjoy them year round – preferably with cheese.I ventured out to the back of our garden last weekend and the Jerusalem artichokes have spread noticeably since last year. They stand erect, a dense army of tall slender ...1 day ago
- Drag Race Down Under power rankings: The worst Snatch Game in herstoryThe queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under race to the bottom, and it’s only episode two.Someone does Lindy Chamberlain as their character in Snatch Game. Yes, the Lindy Chamberlain whose baby was tragically taken by a dingo, and who was wrongly convicted of murder, vilified in the press, and ...2 days ago
- A leaked transcript from the JB Hi-Fi Mother’s Day catalogue planning meetingOnce again Emily Writes has been leaked the minutes to a Mother’s Day gift guide focus group, this time for the electronics store JB Hi-Fi. Here she shares the unedited transcript.This post was first published on Emily Writes Weekly.We thought the Farmers catalogue couldn’t be topped. But The Spinoff has again ...2 days ago
- Get used to FPAs, if you are employing staff – and brace yourself to losing control over shaping w...We are tempted on occasion to cry: come back, Winston, all is forgiven. Big chunks of our society would benefit from a tempering influence of the sort exercised by New Zealand First – through its coalition agreement – on Labour-Green policy development and implementation from 2017-20. Yes, they got in ...2 days ago
- Myanmar: If independent media dies, democracy diesANALYSIS: By Phil Thornton As chaos flows in Burma, journalists are being forced to hide in plain sight by the Burmese military, writes senior journalist and Myanmar expert Phil Thornton. Journalists in Myanmar are being hunted and arrested by the country’s military for trying to do their job. Independent ...2 days ago
- PM Spokesperson Comment On US Joining The Christchurch Call“The Prime Minister has welcomed the United States decision to join the Christchurch Call. Their support signals the importance the United States places on this work. The United States has been a constructive, engaged partner on many Call-related issues ...2 days ago
- Ban Live Export AucklandMany organisations and individuals have come together for a Nationwide protest urging the government to ban live export now, not in two years. The Auckland demonstration will meet at the town hall at 12 noon and March down Queen Street to Te Komititanga ...2 days ago
- Murdoch, Maxwell and changing history
Critic's Chair: They were once rivals, but while one is long forgotten the other remains an indelible presence. Guy Somerset reviews two examinations of the lives and legacies of Robert Maxwell and Rupert Murdoch. One of the more unnerving afternoons of my life was spent in the genteel sitting room ...2 days ago - Rabbits: A million holes in one
It’s no secret the rabbit population is taking off - again - in Central Otago and Southland, with some landowners struggling to keep their numbers down. But are government departments the worst offenders? It’s a catchcry all over the rabbit-infested regions of Otago and Southland - that public spaces are ...2 days ago - Short story: One hundred love sonnets, by Himali McInnes
"None of us really believed this virus shit was worth downing tools for": a lockdown story by Sri Lankan-New Zealand writer Dr Himali McInnes Pablo was different to the other builders I worked with. I liked the way he smelled. It made me want to sniff him. That scent of ...2 days ago - Newsroom's daily sudoku, Saturday 8 May
...2 days ago - Newsroom daily crossword, Saturday 8 May
...2 days ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Saturday 8 May
Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...2 days ago - No one should die for lack of oxygen
It's hard to take when someone dies unnecessarily - as is the case as thousands run out of oxygen around the world. Dr Stephen Howie takes a look at the oxygen problem, arguing NZ needs to play its role outside its own borders. Most of us have seen the horrific scenes in India, as ...2 days ago - James and Isey is an intimate celebration of life, aroha and kaumātuaA new documentary from the director of Kaikohe Demolition is a visually stunning lesson in patience, writes Charlotte Muru-Lanning, who talks to Florian Habicht about how an almost 100-year-old Northland woman and her son drew him back into a genre he’d given up on.“If you could take one thing from ...2 days ago
- The government’s fair pay agreements plan is a big dealIt’s an economy-shaking move that has been welcomed by unions and rallied against by business groups, but what does the new policy actually entail? Justin Giovannetti explains.The Labour government has unveiled a far-reaching shift in New Zealand’s employment law that could raise wages across the country, empower trade unions and ...2 days ago
- Once a biodiversity basket case, Wellington today is the wind beneath our birds’ wingsWe can stand back as the predators we brought with us wipe out our found-nowhere-else-on-earth island evolution, or do something about it, writes Paul Ward, co-founder of Polhill Protectors.When Covid marooned us in our homes, the traffic stopped. In the silence we noticed the birds. Every morning a tūī provided ...2 days ago
- Frydenberg promises housing breaks in ‘pandemic budget’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Josh Frydenberg says he will bring down a “pandemic budget” on Tuesday, warning that despite Australia’s strong recovery, there is “still a great deal of uncertainty out there”. The Treasurer points to new strains of ...2 days ago
- Frydenberg says this will be a ‘pandemic budget’ to secure the recovery’Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Josh Frydenberg says he will bring down a “pandemic budget” on Tuesday, warning that despite Australia’s strong recovery, there is “still a great deal of uncertainty out there”. The Treasurer points to new strains of ...2 days ago
- PNG police release EMTV employee detained over buai market videoPacific Media Watch newsdeskPapua New Guinean police have released a detained EMTV staff man, Richard Magei, after he reportedly filmed officers destroying buai markets at 5 Mile in the capital of Port Moresby. An appeal by the television channel for more information was posted on the network’s Facebook page, saying ...2 days ago
- Fiji reports 7 new local covid cases as memory lapses ‘cost us dearly’By Timoci Vula in Suva Fiji has today reported seven new cases of covid-19 and all are locally transmitted cases. These were confirmed after 1349 tests. They are in Lautoka and Nadi in the west of the main island, Viti Levu, and the settlement of Makoi, near the capital Suva. ...2 days ago
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Modern men wimps.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/2965078/Modern-men-called-wimps
Intelligence is far more important than physical ability.
ACC – Loss of income if accident happens while committing a crime.
1. If your injuries are as a result of a motor accident in which you are found guilty of breaking the speed limit… will you be affected?
2. How many fellons would be gainfully employed before they committed their crimes – one assumes they have never been eligible for compensation? Must be a fantastic saving to ACC there.
I think the proposal only cuts in if you’re sentenced to two years or more in prison.
It’s probably one of the less worrying of the cuts – certainly far less worrying than the cuts to seekly compensation for seasonal and casual employees and the vocational independence changes that will see highly qualified people booted off weekly compensation if they are found to be able to do some low paid job.
Sue Bradford referred yesterday to an aircraft engineer who had his weekly compensation stopped because he was found to be able to work as a carpark attendant, and a merchant seaman who had his stopped because he was found to be able to work as a meter reader.
That sort of stuff used to happen – and will happen again, thanks to Nick Smith So much for ACC being about providing “fair compensation for loss from injury”.
How about 2 years jail or $2000 dollar fine, get those white criminals too.
Is subversifpoet going to have to re-write Johnnie’s Boys in a less gender-specific fashion to include Melissa Lee?
This one had me chuckling the other day.
TheStreet.com reports:
Seems there is more than one Melissa Lee into fast money.
our one has never been known to be moderate though.
what about her yelling out ‘idiot’ in parlaiment on tuesday? what an embarrassment.
Another John Key lie spotted by Russell Brown on Radio Wammo – 9:00 minutes in.
Blip: Does Mr Key’s comment qualify as misleading the House?
Dunno. Bloody well should. The last time the Goober misled the House he said that his cycle track had undergone “rigourous costings” when, in fact, nothing of the sort occurred. In that case, Lockwood said the statement did not mislead the House.
Shippers say $1.5b subsidises trucks
Original PDF report here
A study commissioned by the New Zealand Transport Agency on freight transport in New Zealand, including an analysis of the prospects for coastal shipping.
OOB: The ACC Minister is at pains to show that the users should pay the cost of their higher risk. For example motorcyclists. Should trucks reduce the billions that they cost us by paying for the true cost of road usage? $1.5bn could reduce ACC costs.
Yet Joyce says
“It’s just not correct to say there’s any form of subsidy.”
in one breathe, and
“I don’t think there’s any future for the country by widening subsidies to different modes.”
in another. Sounds like he doesn’t know what he is talking about – I’m pretty sure he is wrong, and there is a subsidy for trucks. The cost they pay is less than their share of the total cost and the difference is picked up by the taxpayer, which seems like a subsidy to me.
Not that I am against subsidies, I just want to see that they are applied as fairly as possible across the various transport modes.
It frustrates me that the subsidy is in addition to the subsidies that the transport industry will get under the ETS, which again favours trucks.
Of course the pre-election donation from the Road Transport Forum has had no effect on Mr Joyce’s opinions.
The rise in ACC levies for motorcyclist seemed to have been justified on pretty weak grounds to me. Sure, the costs of motorcycle accident injuries is higher than for car accidents, because cars provide much more protection to their occupants.
But I would be interested in some data on the causes on motorcycle accidents. The proportion of costs created when a car or truck driver is at fault and caused the accidents should be assigned to cars and trucks. Only single vehicle accidents involving motorcycles and the proportion of accidents caused by motorcyclist error should be included in motorcycle ACC levies.
This morning on radio the figure of 30% motorcycle accidents caused by car error.
Was there any information on whether the costs had been assigned between car drivers and motorcyclists, depending on who was at fault? Or were the costs all lumped on to motorcyclists?
I will be happy with a “do your own research” reply.
Armchair:I believe the figure came from a motorcyclist on the end of Morning Report (i think?) and he said that 30% of bike accidents were car error but the figure was listed as bike accident with no weght given to the cars. All lumped together. Sorry that I can’t be more specific. Old age you see.
Granny has something up now.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10603342
Sounds like ACC haven’t thought this through properly, and that like Mr Joyce on RUCs, Mr Judge doesn’t understand what constitutes a subsidy either.
Came across this in the granny herald today:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10603270
Sounds as though Rodney Hide will be on his way to ballsing up a useful jobs initiative if he gets half a chance….
And in other news, the Nats have decided to hear all oral submissions on the ETS revisions today, less than 48 hours after submissions closed. They will be hearing only 27 submissions in 4.5 hours, which tells you everything you need to know about National’s “fuck you” attitude to democracy.
Jeebus.
WTF is Lockwood Smith doing stripping supplementary questions from parties during question time?
Because he can. Trevor must really annoy him.
I was listening rather than watching and my guess is that Lockwood made a slightly impetuous decision and his voice subsequently reflected some regret. (I can’t get it out my memory the image of Lockwood as quizmaster on TV all those years ago when he held the CONTROL and always seemed smug when he knew the answers and they did not. 🙂 )
I was listening too, the internet is too slow here for live streaming video but audio is mostly okay.
No doubt both sides were pushing the boundaries today, and I’m happy for some form of sanction to be taken against misbehaving members, but removing supplementary questions doesn’t seem like a good thing. Wasn’t there a “freedom of speech” issue just yesterday?